Computer
Learning Center
HEARTH offers pre-school
and school-age children of the families
living at Benedictine Place the opportunity
to utilize some of the latest technology
through the Computer Learning Center.
| The
Goals of the Learning Center are to: |
| • |
Teach homeless
children useful computer applications
and help them keep up with their classmates
in school |
| • |
Provide tutors
to help with schoolwork |
| • |
Make use
of educational software designed to
supplement and
complement their classroom learning
experiences |
| • |
Create e-mail
accounts that facilitate communication
with their
family and peers |
| • |
Normalize
their social experiences through the
use of computer
games and internet use |
| • |
Encourage
developmental progress in homeless youth |
The Learning
Center houses three computers with internet
access, a scanner, a printer and a digital
camera as well as space to study. Having
ready access to the most current software
and hardware enables the children to keep
pace with their peers, both academically
and socially, most of whom have computers
in their homes. With the internet connection
the children have the opportunity to create
online photo albums, visit websites of interest,
create their own websites, play online games
and send email to friends.
Mary Thomas, recently retired
educator and technology coordinator for
the Pine-Richland School District, is the
Learning Center Coordinator. She provides
the children with technical guidance, supervises
after-school programs and assists the students
academically.
The Learning Center is funded
by a grant from the Homeless Children’s
Education Fund an independent non-profit
organization that was created in 1999 to
serve as an advocate for homeless children.
Volunteers from Island X-3, the regional
chapter of the Navy Seabees Veterans of
America (NSVA), designed and constructed
a private space for the Learning Center
to be housed within Benedictine Place’s
multi-purpose room. The initial creation
of the Learning Center was also funded by
the Grable Foundation and Citizen’s
Bank.
Volunteers are needed
weekdays after school hours to help guide
the children. If you are interested, contact
our Client Resource Coordinator at 412-939-2302
ext. 12.
|
